The PREDA Foundation represented by Jezreel Joy Malit, therapist at the Preda Victoria Home for Girls, successfully conducted an awareness-raising seminar on Suicide Prevention and Child Protection Law for teachers and non-teaching personnel of Facundo Angeles Memorial School in Morong, Bataan on October 26, 2023. the seminar was attended by 19 teachers and three non-teaching staff as well as the principal of the said school.

 

Ms. Malit discussed the rights of the child as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Republic Act 7610 otherwise known as the Special Law for the Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination. She reminded the school personnel that as teachers they exercise parental right and responsibility over their students when they are in school and that schools should be a safe haven for all children and youth.

 

She also talked about her experience of working with girls who are victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. These girls, when deprived of proper intervention such as therapy and counseling, experience trauma that affects them throughout their lives. Ms. Malit described the successful Preda program healing the children and giving them a chance at life free from violence and abuse.

 

We at Preda give our heartfelt thanks to Facundo Angeles Memorial Elementary School particularly its principal, Ms. Ma. Linda V. Manzano, for giving us a chance to advocate for the rights of the child.

 

The Preda Home for Girls is supported by the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines through Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).